Medical Supply Cabinet with Lighting Features

ABSTRACT

A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/042,418, filed Feb. 12, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/257,785, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,291,341 filed Apr.21, 2014 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/015,349, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,908, filed Jan. 27, 2011, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/336,809filed Jan. 27, 2010, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of supply cabinet.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a cabinet systemfor storing medical supplies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Supply cabinets having access controls are employed in a variety ofmedical and therapeutic settings for inventory control, tracking, andreplenishment, limiting user access to specified individuals, andtracking distribution of medical supplies, medications, and controlledsubstances. It would be desirable to provide a medical supply cabinethaving improved user interface and access controls, customizability, andlighting.

The invention provides such a supply cabinet. These and other advantagesof the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will beapparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a cabinet with electronic andmanual access controls for compartments, doors for each compartment,independent access control for each compartment, and selectivelyoperable light-emitting diode illumination for each compartment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a supply cabinet system withone or more cabinets with multiple compartments and electronic locks.Each lock is configured to control access to a compartment, and is incommunication with a user access control. The user access control isconfigured to selectively unlock one or more compartment doors inresponse to a user request. Each compartment also including selectivelyoperable light-emitting diode illumination. The electronic accesscontrol is configured to operate the light-emitting diodes at a firstillumination level in response to a first operating condition, andoperate the light-emitting diodes at a second illumination level inresponse to a second operating condition.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a supply cabinet systemincluding adjacent cabinets, where each cabinet has a plurality ofcompartments and each cabinet is affixed to an adjacent cabinet. Thesystem also includes electronic locks, where each lock controls accessto a compartment. A user access control communicates with the electroniclocks, and is configured to selectively unlock one or more compartmentdoors in response to a user request. Each compartment includes lightemitting diode illumination, with selectively operable light-emittingdiodes arranged vertically within each compartment. The user accesscontrol is configured to operate the light-emitting diodes at a firstillumination level in response to a first operating condition, andoperate the light-emitting diodes at a second illumination level inresponse to a second operating condition.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a cabinet system according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a cabinet system according to anotherexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a cabinet system according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cabinet system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cabinet system of according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cabinet system of according to stillanother embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the cabinet system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the cabinet system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the cabinet system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cabinet system of according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the cabinet system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the cabinet system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the cabinet system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cabinet system according to yetanother embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support bracket of the cabinet systemof FIG. 14 in a first configuration;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the support bracket of the cabinetsystem of FIG. 14 in a second configuration;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to aexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly in a firstconfiguration according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 18 in asecond configuration;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to yetanother exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a door coupling assembly according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view lighting features of an upper portion of acabinet system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view lighting features of an lower portion ofthe cabinet system of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of lighting features according to anexemplary embodiment from a first perspective in a first configuration;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of lighting features according to anexemplary embodiment from a second perspective in a first configuration;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the lighting features of FIG. 24 from afirst perspective in a second configuration;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the lighting features of FIG. 25 from asecond perspective in a second configuration;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a top of a cabinet system in a firstconfiguration according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the top of the cabinetsystem of FIG. 28 in the first configuration;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the top of the cabinet system of FIG.28 in a second configuration;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a rear of a cabinet system according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a first panel on the rear of a cabinetsystem of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an access port in the rear of a cabinetsystem of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a second panel on the rear of a cabinetsystem of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a side view of a shelf according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a side view of a shelf according to another exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a shelf support according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 36 and the shelfsupport of FIG. 38 in a first configuration;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 36 and the shelfsupport of FIG. 38 in a second configuration;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 36 and the shelfsupport of FIG. 38 in a third configuration;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a drawer unit of a cabinet systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 43 is shelving of a lower portion of a cabinet system according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 44 is a refrigerator of a lower portion of a cabinet systemaccording to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 45 is an upper portion of the lower portion of the cabinet systemof FIG. 23;

FIG. 46 is a lower portion of the lower portion of the cabinet system ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of a user interface in a firstconfiguration according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a front perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 47 ina second configuration;

FIG. 49 is a left side perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 47in a first configuration;

FIG. 50 is a left side perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 47in a second configuration;

FIG. 51 is a left side perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 47in a third configuration;

FIG. 52 is a left side perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 47in a fourth configuration;

FIG. 53 is a right side perspective view of the user interface of FIG.47;

FIG. 54 is a bottom perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 47;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of printers and printing material of theuser interface of FIG. 47;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an lock access port of the userinterface of FIG. 47;

FIG. 57 is a side view of a latch of the lock of the user interface ofFIG. 47 in a first configuration according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 58 is a side view of a latch of the lock of the user interface ofFIG. 47 in a second configuration;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a catch of the lock of the userinterface of FIG. 47 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an operator releasing the lock of theuser interface of FIG. 47;

FIG. 61 is a first perspective view of internal components of the userinterface of FIG. 47 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 62 is a second perspective view of internal components of the userinterface of FIG. 47;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of an inside of the cabinet systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 64 is a front view of a user interface according to anotherexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a user interface according to yetanother exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a user interface according to stillanother exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of an external shelf in a firstconfiguration according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the external shelf in FIG. 67 in asecond configuration.

While the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology is for the purpose of description only and shouldnot be regarded as limiting.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

I. Cabinet Tower

Referring to FIG. 1, a cabinet system 110 includes three towers 112,114, 116 (e.g., supply towers, cabinets) coupled together in a firstconfiguration 110A. Each tower 112, 114, 116 includes four doors 118,which may be right hinged or left hinged. Each door 118 has a manuallock 120. In other embodiments, the towers may include other numbers ofdoors. In some embodiments, the doors 118 may not include locks, or mayinclude electric locks (e.g., solenoid latch). The towers 112, 114, 116may be fastened to each other in any order—for example, in FIG. 2 thetowers 112, 114, 116 are coupled together in a different configuration110B.

The tower 114 (e.g., user access center tower) includes a user interface122 (e.g., user access center, controller, computer monitor andkeyboard, etc.). A user may control features of the cabinet system 110(e.g., locks, lighting, etc.) or catalog inventory of the cabinet system110 via a processor (see, e.g., processor 2060 as shown in FIG. 61)coupled to the user interface 122. In other embodiments, features of thecabinet system 110 may be controlled, cataloged, etc., by an externalcomputer or network of computers. In still other embodiments, thecabinet system 110 does not include a controller.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, a cabinet system 210 includes two towers 212,214. Each of the towers 212, 214 includes doors 216 having locks 218.The tower 214 includes a user interface 220 having a monitor 222, anextendable keyboard 224, and printer output slots 226. A door 216 abovethe user interface 220 includes an extension 228 coupled to the bottomthereof. The cabinet system 210 additionally includes a stabilitybracket 230 (see also FIGS. 15-16) configured to increase the supportbase of the cabinet system 210, increasing stability. In someembodiments, the cabinet system 210 includes slots for gripping thecabinet system 210 to move the cabinet system 210. An indicator 232 mayprovide information to an operator, such as whether a particular door216 is locked. Indicator 232 may be, for example, a light-emitting diodeconfigured to visually indicate (e.g. turn on, flash, blink, pulse,etc.) the status of the door. In one embodiment, an indicator 232 may beconfigured to turn fully on when a door in unlocked, flash or blink whena door is unlocked and to further indicate the location of a supplyitem, and turn off when the door is opened or when the door is locked.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, 10, cabinet systems 310, 410, 510 eachinclude components similar to those discussed with regard to cabinetsystems 110, 210. Cabinet systems 410,510 do not include a userinterface. FIGS. 7-9 show the cabinet system 410 from differentviewpoints. Referring specifically to FIG. 8, a stability bracket 412extends the support base of the cabinet system 410. FIGS. 11-13 show thecabinet system 510 from different viewpoints, where casters 512 areshown in FIG. 12 below the cabinet system 510.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a cabinet system 610 includes a first tower612 having four doors 616, and a second tower 614 in apartially-assembled configuration. In some embodiments, the doors 616are transparent or translucent, while in other exemplary embodiments,the doors 616 are generally opaque. Doors 616 may be wholly transparentor translucent, e.g. formed from a sheet of transparent or translucentmaterial such as glass or plastic, or may be partially transparent ortranslucent, e.g. contain a transparent or translucent window within adoor frame. A key 620 is removably inserted into a key hole 622 of thefirst tower 612. In some embodiments, all key holes (of one or more thanone tower) share a common key. The first and second towers 612, 614 areconfigured to be fastened together, or to operate separate from eachother. The second tower 614 includes a user interface 618. Additionally,a power cord 624 is coupled to the first tower 612.

II. Support Bracket

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, a cabinet tower 710 includes a support bracket712 (e.g., extension, stability bracket, etc.). FIG. 15 shows thesupport bracket 712 in an operational configuration, while FIG. 16 showsthe support bracket 712 partially disassembled from the cabinet tower710. The support bracket 712 may include fastening structures 714 (e.g.,bolt holes), and is configured to withstand a large weight withoutdeformation (e.g., a moment greater than 1000 ft-lbf; greater than 2000ft-lbf). As mentioned, the support bracket 712 is configured to extendthe support base of the cabinet tower 710 by moving further forward thepoint about which the cabinet tower 710 would rotate upon tilting ortipping forward.

III. Hinge Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 17-20, a first hinge assembly 810 (FIG. 17) and asecond hinge assembly 910 (FIGS. 18-19) each include a pin (e.g., pivot)and fasteners 812, 912 (e.g., threaded fasteners) coupling a door 814,914 (fastened to first bracket 816, 916) to a cabinet tower 818,918(fastened to a second bracket 820, 920). The second hinge assembly 910is preferred over the first hinge assembly 810 because the portion ofthe door 914 to which the hinge assembly 910 is fastened includes acut-out portion 922 thereof. The cut-out portion 922 allows for easiercoupling and decoupling of the door 914 from the second hinge assembly910, when compared to the first hinge assembly 810. According to anexemplary embodiment, a user need only remove (e.g., unscrew) thefasteners 912 to remove the door 914 from the hinge assembly 910.

FIG. 19 shows the hinge assembly 910 from outside of the door 914, andFIG. 20 shows a hinge assembly 1010 of a design similar to the secondhinge assembly 910 of FIGS. 18-19, but with only one door 1012 attachedthereto. Each door 814, 914, 1012 may be coupled to two or more hingeassemblies 810, 910, 1010 (e.g., on top and bottom thereof).

Referring now to FIG. 21, a cabinet system 1110 includes two doors 1112,1114. The two doors 1112, 1114 are fastened together by a coupling kit1116. The coupling kit 1116 includes a bracket 1118 (e.g., T-shapedbracket) fastened to the bottom of the top door 1112 and to the top ofthe bottom door 1114. When the doors 1112, 1114 are fastened togetherwith the coupling kit 1116, the two doors 1112, 1114 function as asingle door, such as a door to a large compartment. Where two doors (ormore) are joined by a T-shaped bracket 1118 to provide access to a largecompartment, duplicate access control features (e.g., second electroniclock, second manual lock) may be removed or disengaged such that accessto the large compartment is controlled by a single operation.Additionally, operation of a duplicate indicator feature 232 (as shownin FIGS. 3-4) may be disabled to indicate to a user that the doors 1112,1114 are operable as a single door.

IV. Lighting

Referring to FIGS. 22-27, a lighting feature 1212 of a cabinet tower1210 includes an array of light-emitting diodes 1214 positioned withinwalls 1216 of the cabinet tower 1210, behind transparent or translucentpanels 1218. In some embodiments, the lighting feature 1212 is activatedwhen doors 1220 of the cabinet tower 1210 open, and is deactivated whenthe doors 1220 close (e.g., by way of a manual switch, optical switch,potentiometer, etc.). In some embodiments, the lighting feature 1212 maybe manually activated or deactivated by a light switch (see, e.g.,switch 1318 as shown in FIG. 29).

Where lighting feature 1212 includes light-emitting diodes 1214,illumination levels may be variably operated by pulse-width modulationof the power input to the light-emitting diodes 1214, to output anyillumination level between zero brightness and full brightness.Illumination levels may be selectively applied to individualcompartments, or uniformly to all compartments of a cabinet. In oneembodiment, lighting feature 1212 is activated in at a first brightness(such as full brightness), when a door is opened, and activated at asecond brightness (such as 50 percent of full brightness, 25 percent offull brightness, zero percent of full brightness) when a door is closed.In other embodiments, activation of lighting feature 1212 (preferably ina compartment having a transparent or translucent door) may be used toprovide information to an operator, such as whether a particular door216 has been placed in an unlocked condition. Lighting feature 1212 maybe modulated (e.g. on-off flashing, bright-dim pulsing) to providevisual information to an operator. Lighting features 1212 of cabinet1210 may also be placed in a second brightness mode after a period ofinactivity or during defined times of day.

In other embodiments, traditional light bulbs or other lighting elementsare used. FIG. 22 shows an upper portion of the cabinet tower 1210, andFIG. 23 shows a lower portion of the cabinet tower 1210. Referringspecifically to FIGS. 24-27-FIGS. 24-25 show the panels 1218 with thelighting feature 1212 deactivated, while FIGS. 26-27 show the samepanels 1218 with the lighting feature 1212 activated.

V. Switches

Referring to FIGS. 28-29, a top portion 1312 of a cabinet tower 1310includes a panel 1314 fastened to a body 1316 of the tower 1310.Additionally the top 1312 includes one or more switches 1318, such as amaster power switch, master light switch, UAC power switch, manualalarm, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the switch 1318 isposition in a recessed portion 1322 of the top panel 1314, such thatitems stacked on the cabinet tower 1310 may be less likely toaccidentally move the switch 1318. The panel 1314 further includes slots1320 configured to support a V-shaped bracket (not shown) used to coupletwo towers together. Legs of the V-shaped bracket are inserted into theslots 1320 of each tower. A rear portion 1332 of the body 1316 includesa port 1324 through which a power cord 1326 and other communicationcables may be coupled to the cabinet tower 1310 (see also FIG. 32). Aslot 1336 on the top portion 1312 may be used to help tip or tilt thecabinet tower 1310, e.g. over a door threshold.

Referring now to FIG. 30, the panel 1314 (FIG. 28) has been removed toshow components of the top portion 1312 of the cabinet tower 1310,including a cabinet controller, shown as a mod bus controller 1314, anda power system 1338. In some embodiments, the components controllighting, fans, locks, sensors, and other electronic features of thecabinet tower 1310.

While FIG. 28 shows a top portion (e.g., port 1324) of a rear side 1332of the cabinet tower 1310, FIG. 31 shows the rest of the rear side 1332.The rear side 1332 further includes a removable panel 1328, twocommunication panels 1330, 1340, and a fan vent 1334. FIG. 32 shows thecommunication panel 1330 (see also port 1324 and power cord 1326 asshown in FIG. 28). The communication panel 1330 includes a powerconnector 1342, a fuse 1344, four couplings 1346 to connect an externallock mechanism (e.g., electric lock) to an external controller, twoports 1348 for communications to other hardware, two interface bus ports1352, and a universal serial bus (USB) port 1350. Referring to FIG. 33,access to internal components of the cabinet tower 1310 may be attainedthrough the opening 1354 behind the panel 1328 (FIG. 31). Referring toFIG. 34, the second communication panel 1340 includes additionalcommunication connectors 1356, such as for connection to a modem, alocal area network, an uninterruptible power supply, a printer, and/orother items. In other embodiments, additional and/or differentcommunication couplings may be included in the communication panels1330, 1340.

VI. Shelf

Referring to FIG. 35, a shelf 1410 includes a side wall 1412 havingslots 1414 and catch portions 1416 therein for coupling the shelf 1410to corresponding support structure (see, e.g., support structure 1518 asshown in FIG. 38) extending from sides of cabinet walls. The shelf 1410may be slid over the support structure until the shelf 1410 is in apredetermined position along the cabinet walls, after which the supportstructure interlocks with the slots 1414 and catch portions 1416. Asshown in FIG. 35, the slots 1414 and catch portions 1416 includeright-angled curves with flat vertical and horizontal edges.

Referring now to FIGS. 36-41, a shelf 1510, according to anotherembodiment, includes a side wall 1512 having slots 1514 and catchportions 1516 therein. The slots 1514 and catch portions 1516 correspondto support structure 1518 (FIG. 38) extending from walls 1520 of acabinet tower 1522, or other structure. The width of the shelf 1510 isnarrower than the shelf 1410, allowing for greater storage space betweenshelves. During installation, the slots 1514 and catch portions 1516 ofthe shelf 1510 are configured to slide over the support structure 1518when the shelf 1510 is being installed in the cabinet tower 1522.

As shown in FIG. 40, one of the slots 1514 may engage an intermediatesupport structure 1518 without interlocking with the support structure1518. Instead an operator may continue to push the shelf 1510 into thecabinet tower 1522, over angled inclines 1524 (e.g., angles other than90 degrees; open space angle greater than 90 degrees). Additionally, thecatch portions 1516 of the shelf 1510 are spaced apart so as to not beable to engage support structure 1518 other than the predeterminedsupport structure 1518 to which the catch portions 1516 are designed tofasten when the shelf 1510 is fully installed within the cabinet tower1522.

Referring to FIG. 42, a drawer 1610 (e.g., pull-out shelf) is configuredto slide on rails 1612 within a portion of a cabinet tower 1614. In someembodiments, the drawer 1610 has dimensions and features other thanthose shown in FIG. 42 (e.g., deeper, shorter, taller). In someembodiments, the drawer 1610 may include a lock 1616 (e.g., electriclock, manual key lock).

VII. Divider

Referring to FIG. 43, a lower portion 1712 of a cabinet tower 1710includes two doors 1714, 1716 releasably joined together to optionallyfunction as a single door (see, e.g., bracket 1118 as shown in FIG. 21).The doors 1714, 1716 open and close two compartments 1718, 1720 dividedby a cell divider 1722 (e.g., divider). According to an exemplaryembodiment, the cell divider 1722 is configured to block access to thelower compartment 1720, if the door 1714 to the upper compartment 1718is open and the door 1716 to the lower compartment 1720 is closed, andvisa versa. Additionally, the cell divider 1722 is configured to limitheat transfer between compartments 1718, 1720 (i.e., through the divider1722). Heat flow is directed outside of the cabinet tower 1710 viavents, or through walls of the cabinet tower 1710. The cabinet tower1710 in FIG. 43 further includes a drawer 1724 behind the door 1714, anda user interface 1726.

Referring to FIG. 44, a lower portion 1812 of a cabinet tower 1810includes two doors 1814, 1816 joined together to function as a singledoor. The doors 1814, 1816 open and close a single compartment 1818configured to support a refrigerator 1820 therein. The refrigerator 1820may be used to store and/or preserve medicaments, such as oncologysupplies. In some embodiments, the refrigerator 1820 includes anexternal locking mechanism 1822, which may be locked and unlocked by anexternal controller (e.g., a user interface 1824, a remote computer,etc.), such as through connectors (see, e.g., couplings 1346 as shown inFIG. 32) coupled to the cabinet tower 1810. In such embodiments, a celldivider 1826 may be positioned within the cabinet tower 1810, above therefrigerator 1820 to thermally and physically separate the refrigerator1820 from the user interface 1824, or other portions of the cabinettower 1810.

Referring now to FIGS. 45-46, a lower portion 1912 of a cabinet tower1910 includes a compartment 1914. The compartment 1914 is configured tohold a refrigerator (see, e.g., FIG. 44), shelving (see, e.g., FIG. 43),or other items therein. As shown in FIG. 45, in some embodiments thelower portion 1912 includes a fan 1916 coupled to a back wall 1918thereof. The fan 1916 is configured to circulate air through thecompartment 1914, such as to cool the refrigerator. As shown in FIG. 46,in some embodiments, the lower portion 1912 includes an opening 1920through which a power cord may be routed to the refrigerator, or otheritems. In another embodiment, cabinet tower 1910 includes an internalpower supply system or internal power bus, e.g. a 120 volt AC outletmounted in a compartment 1914. Slots 1922 on the floor 1924 of the lowerportion 1912 allow for brackets (not shown) to be inserted therein tolimit rearward and/or lateral sliding of the refrigerator.

VIII. User Interface

Referring to FIGS. 47-50, a user interface 2010 includes a monitor 2012,a frame 2014 (e.g., housing, support structure, etc.), a printer portion2016, and a keyboard 2018. The printer portion 2016 includes two outputslots 2020, 2022, and according to an exemplary embodiment, one slot2020 is for printed labels, the other slot 2022 is for printed receipts.Other embodiments include more or fewer printer slots. The keyboard 2018may be slid into (FIGS. 47, 49) and out of (FIGS. 48, 50) the frame2014. In some embodiments, the user interface 2010 may be coupled to acabinet tower 2024 at any location on the cabinet tower 2024, or may becoupled to other structures.

Referring now to FIGS. 51-54, according to an exemplary embodiment, theuser interface 2010 may be slid within the cabinet tower 2024 on rails2026 (e.g., tracks, slides, etc.). Additionally, the printer portion2016 may be slid relative to the frame 2014 on rails 2028. Sliding ofthe user interface 2010 from the cabinet tower 2024 and the printerportion 2016 from the frame 2014 may allow for item (e.g., printingmaterial, circuitry, etc.) replacement, maintenance, upgrade, refill,etc. Referring to FIG. 53, according to an exemplary embodiment, theuser interface 2010 additionally includes a handle 2030 for pulling theprinter portion 2016 relative to the frame 2014. Referring to FIG. 54,USB ports 2032 are coupled to the frame 2014.

Referring now to FIG. 55, the printer portion 2016 of the user interface2010 includes spools 2042, 2044 in recessed portions 2038, 2040 tosupport materials 2034, 2036 for printing labels, receipts, etc.thereon. The printer portion 2016 includes two printers 2046, 2048 and atensioning member 2050 coupled to the materials 2042 to maintain tensiontherein. Indicator lights 2052 provide information regarding theprinters (e.g., print, power, status). The printer portion 2016additionally includes an access port 2054 to a locking mechanism (seeFIGS. 56-60) to lock the user interface 2010 within the cabinet tower2024.

Referring now to FIGS. 56-60, through the access port 2054, a pivot 2056(e.g., point of rotation, pin, etc.) for a latch 2058 may be accessed bya shafted tool 2060 (FIG. 60). Pivot 2056 may include a tamper-resistantscrew head requiring a secure or proprietary shafted tool 2060compatible with pivot 2056, thereby limiting operation of latch 2058 andaccess to user interface 2010 to qualified service personnel. With theprinter portion 2016 slid out relative to the frame 2014, a user mayinsert the tool 2060 into the access port 2054. Rotation of the pivot2056 by the tool 2060 (compare FIG. 57 to FIG. 58) lifts the latch 2058relative to a knob 2062 (e.g., extension, catch, etc.) (FIG. 59) coupledto the cabinet tower 2024. Gravity and/or a biasing member returns thelatch 2058 to the locking position, such as when the user interface 2010is fully pushed into the cabinet tower 2024. In other embodiments, asolenoid or other actuator may be used to control the latch 2058.

Referring to FIGS. 61-63, internal components of the user interface 2010include a processor 2061 (and/or other components) and support structure2063 therefor. The support structure 2063 separates the processor 2061from the remainder of the internal components, allowing for quick andsimple installation and removal of the processor 2061. The monitor 2012(see FIG. 62) may be removed by releasing two fasteners 2064, rotatingthe monitor 2012 backward, and lifting the monitor 2012 out of the frame2014. As shown in FIG. 63, wiring for the user interface 2010 iscontrollably directed to an access port 2066 (see also FIG. 31) on arear side 2068 of the cabinet tower 2024.

Referring now to FIGS. 64-66, three user interfaces 2110, 2210, 2310 areshown according to alternative exemplary embodiments. The userinterfaces 2110, 2210, 2310 include monitors 2112, 2212, 2312, keyboards2114, 2214, 2314, and printer portions 2116, 2216, 2316, and slots 2118,2120, 2218, 2220, 2318, 2320 therefor, respectively. According toexemplary embodiments, the user interfaces 2110, 2210, 2310 areconfigured to be coupled to supply cabinet towers or other structures.The user interface 2110 includes an identification card slot 2122 foruser verification, and a key hole 2124 to release the printer portion2116. The user interface 2310 includes a disk drive 2322.

Referring to FIGS. 67-68, a shelf 2410 (e.g., external shelf) may becoupled to an outside wall 2412 of a cabinet tower 2414. The shelf 2410may include an aperture 2416 for releasably coupling the shelf toflanges (e.g., bolt heads) extending from the outside wall 2412.Curvature of the aperture 2416 may be configured to releasably lock theshelf 2410 to the cabinet tower 2414, preventing unintended removaltherefrom.

The construction and arrangements of cabinet system, as shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of anyprocess, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for controlling access to medicalproducts securely stored in a customizable cabinet comprising: acustomizable cabinet defined by a cabinet frame having a top, bottom,rear, first side and second side wall arranged to define a cabinetinterior; one or more covers attached to at least one of the top,bottom, first side and second side wall of the cabinet frame, the one ormore covers defining at least a portion of the front exterior surface ofthe cabinet; a mounting structure attached to the cabinet frame at alocation within the cabinet interior; a housing defining an interior andexterior of a control system, the housing comprising a mounting elementconfigured to engage the mounting structure to mount the housing withinthe cabinet interior of the customizable cabinet; a monitor defining atleast a portion of a front exterior side of the housing; wherein in afirst mounting position, the housing interior is supported within thecabinet interior and the front exterior side of the housing extendsalong a first plane that is generally coplanar with the plane alongwhich the one or more covers defining the front exterior of the cabinetextend; and wherein in a second mounting position, the housing issupported by the cabinet frame such that at least a portion of thehousing interior extends outwards relative to the front exterior of thecabinet and the front exterior side of the housing extends along asecond plane that is displaced relative to the plane along which the oneor more covers defining the front exterior of the cabinet extend; and aprocessor within the control system, the processor electrically coupledto the monitor and keyboard.
 2. The control system of claim 1 furthercomprising a printer portion having a body portion defined at a firstend by an output panel having a first output slot, the printer portionsupported by the housing and slidable relative to the housing from afirst location in which the printer body portion extends within theinterior of the housing and the output panel defines a portion of thefront exterior side of the housing to a second location in which theprinter body portion and output panel extend outwards relative to thefront exterior side of the housing, wherein the printer portioncomprises: a first printer behind the first output slot, the firstprinter electrically coupled to the processor; a first recessed portion;and a first spool housed in the first recessed portion, the first spoolconfigured to support materials for printing and to feed the materialsto the first printer; and wherein the first printer is configured toprint information on the materials and feed the materials having theprinted information through the first output slot.
 3. The control systemof claim 2 wherein the printer portion further comprises: a secondoutput slot; a second printer behind the second output slot, the secondprinter electrically coupled to the processor; a second recessedportion; a second spool housed in the second recessed portion, thesecond spool configured to support materials for printing and to feedthe materials to the second printer; and wherein the second printer isconfigured to print information on the materials and feed the materialshaving the printed information through the second output slot.
 4. Thecontrol system of claim 2 wherein the printer portion further comprisesa tensioning member, the tensioning member configured to maintaintension of materials supported by the first spool.
 5. The control systemof claim 1 further comprising: a printer portion having a body portiondefined at a first end by an output panel having a first output slot,the printer portion supported by the housing and slidable relative tothe housing from a first location in which the printer body portionextends within the interior of the housing and the output panel definesa portion of the front exterior side of the housing to a second locationin which the printer body portion and output panel extend outwardsrelative to the front exterior side of the housing, and a handle coupledto the printer portion, the handle configured to pull the printerportion relative to the housing.
 6. The control system of claim 5wherein the handle is recessed grove on one side of the printer portion.7. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a latch coupled tothe housing and configured to secure the control system to thecustomizable cabinet such that access to the interior is limited toqualified personnel.
 8. The control system of claim 7 wherein the latchhas a pivot, the pivot configured to engage with a secure tool to rotateand lift the latch relative to a knob securing the control system to thecustomizable cabinet.
 9. The control system of claim 8 furthercomprising a printer portion having a body portion defined at a firstend by an output panel having a first output slot, the printer portionsupported by the housing and slidable relative to the housing from afirst location in which the printer body portion extends within theinterior of the housing and the output panel defines a portion of thefront exterior side of the housing to a second location in which theprinter body portion and output panel extend outwards relative to thefront exterior side of the housing, wherein the printer portion includesan access port configured to allow the secure tool to engage the pivotwhen the printer portion is slid out relative to the housing.
 10. Thecontrol system of claim 1 further comprising an identification cardreader located proximate a slot configured to receive user credentials.11. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a printer portionhaving a body portion defined at a first end by an output panel having afirst output slot, the printer portion supported by the housing andslidable relative to the housing from a first location in which theprinter body portion extends within the interior of the housing and theoutput panel defines a portion of the front exterior side of the housingto a second location in which the printer body portion and output panelextend outwards relative to the front exterior side of the housing,wherein the printer portion includes a locking mechanism configured tosecure the printer portion to the housing.
 12. The control system ofclaim 2 wherein the printer portion further comprises indicator lightsconfigured to provide status information about the first printer. 13.The control system of claim 1 wherein the monitor is configured to beremovable from the housing.
 14. A control system for controlling accessto medical products securely stored in a customizable cabinetcomprising: a frame having a first plurality of slide rails, the firstplurality of slide rails configured to be mountable within the structureof the customizable cabinet such that, when the frame is in a firstposition, a front exterior surface of the frame defines a portion of afront exterior surface of the customizable cabinet; a monitor coupled tothe frame, the monitor defining a portion of the front exterior surfaceof the frame; and a processor supported by the frame, the processorelectrically coupled to the monitor; wherein the movement of any of theframe relative to the cabinet, the movement of the second plurality ofslide rails relative to the frame, and the movement of the keyboard trayrelative to the frame may occur independent of the movement of any ofthe other of the frame relative to the cabinet, the movement of thesecond plurality of slide rails relative to the frame, and the movementof the keyboard tray relative to the frame.
 15. The control system ofclaim 14 further including a printer portion comprising: a secondplurality of slide rails, the second plurality of slide rails configuredto be mounted to the frame; a first output slot extending through anoutput surface; and a printer located behind the first output slot;wherein when the printer portion is in a first position, the outputsurface defines a portion of the front exterior surface of the frame;wherein the printer portion further comprises: a first recessed portion;and a first spool housed in the first recessed portion, the first spoolconfigured to support materials for printing and to feed the materialsto the first printer; and wherein the first printer is configured toprint information on the materials and feed the materials having theprinted information through the first output slot.
 16. The controlsystem of claim 15 wherein the printer portion further comprises: asecond output slot; a second printer behind the second output slot, thesecond printer electrically coupled to the processor; a second recessedportion; a second spool housed in the second recessed portion, thesecond spool configured to support materials for printing and to feedthe materials to the second printer; and wherein the second printer isconfigured to print information on the materials and feed the materialshaving the printed information through the second output slot.
 17. Thecontrol system of claim 14 further comprising a latch coupled to theframe and configured to secure the control system to the customizablecabinet such that access to the interior is limited to qualifiedpersonnel.
 18. The control system of claim 17 wherein the latch has apivot, the pivot configured to engage with a secure tool to rotate andlift the latch relative to a knob securing the control system to thecustomizable cabinet.
 19. The control system of claim 18 furtherincluding a printer portion comprising: a second plurality of sliderails, the second plurality of slide rails configured to be mounted tothe frame; a first output slot extending through an output surface; anda printer located behind the first output slot; wherein when the printerportion is in a first position, the output surface defines a portion ofthe front exterior surface of the frame; wherein the printer portionfurther comprises an access port configured to allow the secure tool toengage the pivot when the printer portion is slid out relative to theframe.
 20. A control system for controlling access to medical productscomprising: a medical cabinet having a support structure and at leastone storage location for securing medical products, the storage locationincluding an electric lock operable between a locked and unlocked state,wherein the medical products are inaccessible when the electric lock isin the lock state and accessible when the electric lock is in theunlocked state; a plurality of support rails attached along an interiorsurface of the support structure; a frame having a first plurality ofslide rails, the first plurality of slide rails configured to engage theplurality of support rails to slidably mount the frame relative to thesupport structure; a monitor coupled to the frame such that the monitormoves when the frame is moved relative to the support structure; and aprocessor supported by the frame, the processor electrically coupled tothe monitor and the electric lock and configured to switch the state ofthe electric lock from locked to unlocked in response to a controlcommand entered on the keyboard.